UK assistant coach Orlando Antigua was in Rupp Arena on Wednesday to watch Louisville Trinity forward Ray Spalding in the opening session of the Sweet Sixteen.

Spalding had seven points, six rebounds, four blocked shots and three steals while playing just 16 minutes due to foul trouble. Trinity defeated Owensboro 55-41 to advance to Friday’s state quarterfinals against Hopkinsville.

Antigua, who also watched Spalding play in last week’s 7th Region championship game, talked to the class of 2015 standout before Wednesday’s game and said he would be in attendance. The UK assistant had to leave before the final buzzer to catch the team flight to St. Louis, where the Cats will play Kansas State in the NCAA Tournament on Friday.

Coaches from Indiana, Butler, Xavier, Vanderbilt, Clemson, Northwestern and Western Kentucky were all in Rupp to see Spalding play Wednesday. He already has scholarship offers from all of those schools.

“Growing up, I was more of a Louisville fan,” he said. “It’s excellent. It’s a great honor to have those guys come and watch me play.”

Spalding said his grandmother grew up with former U of L players Manuel Forrest and Tony Kimbro, and he said he was friends with both former Cardinals. He took two unofficial visits to U of L during the season, and he’d like to take an unofficial visit to Kentucky sometime soon.

He said he’s never been to a UK game in Rupp Arena.

“I want to visit here sometime and get a feel for this campus,” Spalding said.

Scout.com rates Spalding as the No. 75 overall recruit in the junior class.